Nutrition Help for Aging Cats

By Jill Keith

As a cat ages, changes occur in the way its body functions, so it makes sense that what it eats might also need to change. The following list of health issues may be more common in aging pets.

Decreased immune system function

More frequent intestinal problems

Decreased mobility

Dental issues

For mature cats with health issues, you can help by providing special nutrition for their special needs. Here's how.

Decreased Immune System FunctionThroughout a cat's life, a process called peroxidation occurs. Peroxidation is a normal process that the body uses to destroy cells that outlive their usefulness and kill germs, parasites, etc. but also can destroy or damage healthy cells. As a cat ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates which, in turn, increases the risk of certain problems, such as infections.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein, are naturally occurring nutrients.

Recent research has found that dogs and cats fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, or beta-carotene had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This may be especially important for aging cats, because studies have found that as cats age, immune responses can decrease.

More Frequent Intestinal ProblemsOlder cats may have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clinical signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea).

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Posted on March 18, 2012

Parnupong says: only if you are allergic and you would adleary know by now if you were so the other is if you don't keep the litter box clean it causes harmful bacterias for you and your cat but no it wont harm your health unless you are allergic good luck with the little guy

Posted on March 18, 2012

Ameur says: Cats are good for you. They are like the orange juice of the soul. They deserace stress and the prolongs your life and your happiness. If they were bad for you I think more people wouldn't have them.